Senior Controls Engineer

Hitachi, Ltd.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits from day one

Paid parental leave

Unique automation projects

Engineering‑driven environment

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the full lifecycle of automated control systems. You will design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and SCADA across custom automation projects.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, mentor engineers, and travel up to 25% to client sites for commissioning and troubleshooting. A strong background in industrial automation is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in controls engineering, automation, or related disciplines.
• 2+ years leading technical projects with ownership of decisions and execution.
• Experience mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence.
• Broad experience with industrial automation technologies and industry practices.
• Ability to identify systemic issues and implement improvements across departments.
• Prior JR Automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven collaboration across engineering disciplines to solve complex problems.
• Hands-on programming and troubleshooting in automated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds from concept to final acceptance.
• Design and program control systems including PLC logic, HMI, robotics integration, vision, and SCADA.
• Design controls architectures to meet customer requirements and specifications.
• Support multiple automation projects concurrently focusing on technical quality and schedule.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional technical teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Serve as a technical expert on controls architecture and programming approaches.
• Partner with engineering leadership for development, training, and continuous improvement.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations for commissioning and troubleshooting.

Skills

Controls engineering

Project leadership

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics integration

Vision systems

Troubleshooting automation

Reading P&IDs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Associate’s degree with 2+ years of related experience

Tools

PLC/SCADA systems

HMI platforms

Robotics tooling

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and we’re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a Senior Controls Engineer.

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer with strong hands‑on experience in programming, debugging, and commissioning automated systems. This role focuses on PLC and HMI programming, robotics, and vision integration across a range of complex equipment. You will be deeply involved in building and refining control systems, supporting machine startups, and solving challenging automation problems in collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams. The position is primarily technical and execution‑focused, with significant time spent on system development, troubleshooting, and on‑site deployment.

Location Type

The position is onsite in Nashville, TN

What We Offer

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering‑driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds, from initial concept and system definition through programming, machine power‑up, debugging, commissioning, and final acceptance.
• Design and program control systems from the ground up, including PLC logic, HMI applications, robotics integration, vision systems, and SCADA solutions for new and custom automated equipment.
• Design controls equipment and architectures to meet customer requirements, performance standards, and application specifications.
• Support multiple automation projects concurrently while maintaining focus on technical quality, schedule execution, and customer requirements.
• Lead and collaborate with cross‑functional technical teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution and integration.
• Serve as a technical expert within the department, providing guidance on controls architecture, programming approaches, and complex automation challenges.
• Partner with engineering leadership to support technical development, training, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project execution.

Note

This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience (two years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study), OR an Associate’s degree with 2+ years of related experience.
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related technical disciplines.
• 2+ years of experience leading technical projects, with ownership of technical decisions and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineers, supporting technical excellence and career progression.
• Strong breadth and depth of experience with industrial automation technologies, systems, and industry practices.
• Proven ability to identify systemic issues and implement improvements that increase department efficiency and engineering effectiveness.
• Experience in the automation industry; prior JR Automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex, system‑level problems.
• Hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs is a plus.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview

At JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.